The family of a veteran is thrilled that his war medals are going to an Ontario museum, but unhappy about the way they got there from an estate sale in North Saanich.
Victoria jazz singer Melinda Whitaker and her brother William Whitaker, who lives in Penticton, were dismayed to learn that photos and a collection of medals awarded to their grandfather, Clarence Evelyn Rielly, were sold on eBay.
The Whitakers believe they were duped by the man who bought the collection for $420 at their mother’s estate sale in July. The man, who came the day before the advertised sale, said he worked for a private collector and promised to keep the collection intact.
But instead of going to a private collector, they were listed on eBay by Command Post Militaria, a military antiques store in Victoria.
“I take responsibility for the decision I made on the spur of the moment,” William said. “But if I had known they were going on eBay, I would not have sold them.”
Dave Thomson of St. George, Ont. — whose hobby is repatriating war medals of Canadian veterans with their families or their hometown — spotted the collection and brought it to the attention of the Goulbourn Museum in eastern Ontario.
Rielly was born in Richmond, Ont., on Feb. 18, 1892. He enlisted in the First World War at 24 and became a member of cavalry. After the war, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force.
“He joined up so early, his serial number in the air force was 22,” William said.
Rielly was awarded the WW1 War Medal and Victory Medal, the Second World War Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal, and the rare RCAF Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
The museum raised more than $2,500 and on Thursday night, placed the winning bid of $585 US.
The museum is thrilled to have the collection, said Sue Woodford, director of marketing and visitor services.
“What makes him a hero in our eyes is that he served in both the First and Second World War and he was born and raised in Richmond. There were only 487 Canadians to receive this particular medal,” she said of the RCAF Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
The medals will be part of an exhibit commemorating the First World War.
“It’s a huge honour and I know my grandfather would be absolutely delighted to know the museum was interested in his military career,” William said.
Their experience should be a reminder to others to take their time and do some research, Melinda said. “I just wanted [the medals] to be in a good resting place, a place where our loved ones are honoured. They would be very pleased and at peace, knowing they’re in a place where they will be appreciated.”
